Artel (which in Russian means an association of like-minded individuals) is a collaboration of craftsmen (upholsterers, sculptors, photographers, designers, etc.) with a vision of creating unique pieces of furniture which are traditional and modern at the same time.

My own inspiration comes from a Russian Jewish upbringing in the Soviet Kazakhstan. A lot of my ideas stem from a long established belief that everything can be re-used, recycled or given another breath of life. Hence, I aim to use as many vintage and antique materials as possible in my projects and see my chairs as a “re-covered” luxury.

I prefer working with chairs which appear to be beyond saving. The process of metamorphosis when an ugly chair becomes beautiful again is the most exciting part of my work.

I take pride in applying traditional upholstery techniques to production of my chairs.